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English

KS3 English

The purpose of KS3 English is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

English lessons will equip pupils with the ability to; read easily, fluently and with a good understanding, develop the habit of reading widely and often for both pleasure and information, acquire a wide vocabulary assisted by Archway’s ‘Word of the Day’ which is consistently highlighted and promoted in each lesson across the school. Students are encouraged and taught to acquire an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language. Moreover, students are required to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. Finally, students are encouraged to use discussion in order to learn and teachers facilitate lessons in order to develop a student’s ability and confidence in this area.

Further details are available at: SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_English2

KS4 English

The purpose of KS4 English is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word and to develop an awareness of literature through widespread reading of a variety of texts.

At Archway we offer students the opportunity of studying for English qualifications in a variety of ways as follows:

AQA Step up to English Silver Step
AQA Functional Skills English Level 1
AQA GCSE English Language
AQA GCSE English Literature

Students follow the AQA programmes of study as above and in most cases, students achieve their GCSE English Language qualification, having gained confidence in exam technique and preparation through sitting other qualifications in English. The requirements for each of these programmes is set out below:

AQA Step up to English Silver Step

The learning experience encourages students to draw upon a range of texts as reading stimuli and engage with creative as well as real and relevant contexts. Students have opportunities to develop reading and critical thinking skills that encourage enquiry into different topics and themes.

Students are assessed through completing two spoken language tasks, two literacy topics and one creative reading and writing topic. These are externally-set non-exam assessments.

AQA Functional Skills Level 1

This specification enables learners to develop confidence in English skills, preparing them for progression into employment or further education and for use in their daily lives.

To achieve this qualification students are required to sit two 1-hour exams in Reading and Writing. In addition to these exams students must complete a non-exam element in speaking, listening and communication. Students are required to complete a group discussion and a presentation which is recorded and assessed in school and then sent to the exam board.

Further details are available at:

The Government website: KS4_English_PoS_FINAL_170714

The AQA English Language document: AQA-8700-SP-2015

The AQA English Literature document: AQA-8702-SP-2015

For further information on the Entry Level qualification:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/english/specifications/AQA-5970-SP-2015.PDF

For further information on the Functional Skills qualification:

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/english/specifications/AQA-8720-8725-SP-2019.PDF